Frederic W. Cook

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Frederic White Cook (May 2, 1873 – November 16, 1951) was an American politician from Somerville, Massachusetts. He served as Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth from 1921 to 1949, a record 28 years, and is the last Republican to hold the office (as of 2023).

Early life
Born in Somerville to Sanford Reuben Cook and Harriet Frances Dassance Cook, he attended local public schools.

Career
He began in city government as assistant clerk of committees. On January 25, 1901, he was named Assistant City Clerk of Somerville at a salary of $1,400 a year. In 1905 he became City Clerk of Somerville. In 1920 he was elected Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, taking office in 1921 and serving until 1949. He was preceded by Albert P. Langtry and succeeded by Edward J. Cronin.

Personal life
On December 19, 1905, he married Kathleen Russell of Brooklyn, New York. They remained married until her death on April 30, 1947.

Death
Cook died on November 16, 1951, in Somerville, Massachusetts, at age 78.